I have been reloading for my bolt gun for a few years with good results, so I decided to try reloading for my new semi-auto, and the results are baffling me. I tried Varget, IMR4064, IMR4895 and RL15 this past weekend with practically identical results, 4 shots within 1/2" - 3/4" and 1 shot up to 2 inches away from the group. This doesn't happen when using factor ammo. While the group is not as tight as the aforementioned 4 shot group, it doesn't throw a flyer. I have never had this happen with my bolt gun, either it was a tight group or it wasn't. If anyone has any advice, I would appreciate your input. Thanks.
Semi-auto reloading results have me baffled...need help!
- Thread starter GR460
- Start date
Is the flyer the first round from the mag that you hand chambered via charging handle or the last one where the bolt locked back ? Either of these will have an effect.
That's where I was going, was going to suggest running the first and last into the backstop, see how it does.
The rifle is a Larue OBR 7.62. I didn't pay attention to which round was the flyer; I will make sure to notice that next time. I don't understand the "backstop" suggestion, please clarify.
He is saying to shoot the first bullet chambered and the last bullet in the mag into the dirt berm and not into your target. Not saying that's what I would do, just clearing his comment up for you. It wouldn't hurt to load one more round than you plan on shooting and not shooting the last round in your mag as part of your test groups. I'd rather do that than fire the last one into the dirt. Theory of that is that the rifle acts a little different during/after the shot when the carrier closes empty as opposed to chambering another round.
I did read where you said this does not happen with factory ammo in this same gun. Is that right?
Thank you, It is what I meant. Your method is better, but both achieve the same result.
Like was said: load 6 into the mag, but dont shoot the 6th. The differing recoil force can cause issues on the last shot.
I personally dont think the first shot needs to be wasted since its not really any different from a recoil perspective.
I personally dont think the first shot needs to be wasted since its not really any different from a recoil perspective.
redirt78, it does not appear to be happening with factory ammo, or at least it is not that obvious because the groups are not as tight. My next time out, I will do a thorough comparison with factory ammo and reloads, and log which specific shot is not grouping well.
I don't know how many mags you have, but I would suggest using the same one for load workups.
For one reason or another some rifles can group differently using different mags, my M1a does.
After you get the load worked out, test the other mags to see if anything changes.
For one reason or another some rifles can group differently using different mags, my M1a does.
After you get the load worked out, test the other mags to see if anything changes.
Thanks for all of the advice/suggestions gentlemen. It is obvious that reloading for a semi-automatic is a lot more "involved" than a bolt gun.
I've personally never had that happen out of any of my AR15s. I would be GREATLY surprised if feeding from a magazine either 1st or last shot would do what you are describing. Maybe a fraction of an inch movement, but 2" I'm having a hard time seeing that as being mag, or magazine fed related.
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